Sous Chef – Kyiv Social | Plate It Forward

Plate It Forward is a leading social enterprise hospitality group combining premium food offerings with deep social impact. Every meal we serve creates equal opportunity across the table — donating restaurant-quality meals and providing training and employment opportunities for people from marginalised communities.

Kyiv Social is one of our flagship venues, celebrating the flavours and traditions of Ukraine while offering a sense of belonging and opportunity for those who have recently arrived in Australia. By joining our team, you’ll be part of a movement that harnesses the power of food to bring people and communities together.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to support our Executive Chef and play a vital role in the daily running of the kitchen. This is more than a back-of-house role — you’ll help us deliver culinary excellence while mentoring and supporting team members, particularly those from refugee and migrant backgrounds.

What you’ll be doing:

Assisting with menu planning, recipe development, and ensuring quality and consistency in every dish

Overseeing food preparation and presentation, maintaining high culinary standards while meeting safety and sanitation regulations

Supervising and guiding kitchen staff, ensuring efficient workflows and smooth daily service

Training and mentoring team members, fostering a supportive environment that helps staff learn and grow

Assisting with rostering, ordering, and operational planning to keep the kitchen running efficiently

Supporting the mission by adapting food service plans to community needs and events

Maintaining strict compliance with food safety and hygiene standards, conducting regular checks on facilities and equipment

What we’re looking for:

Proven experience as a Sous Chef or strong Chef de Partie ready for the next step

Strong leadership and mentoring skills with a passion for developing people

A love for food and creativity, ideally with an interest in Ukrainian flavours

Calm, organised, and solutions-focused in a fast-paced environment

Commitment to Plate It Forward’s mission of using food to create positive social change

Why join us:

Be part of a purpose-driven organisation making real impact every day

Work with a passionate, diverse team in a supportive and inclusive environment

Opportunities to grow across our group — including catering and other venues

Competitive salary and a role with meaning

Location: Sydney – Kyiv Social
Apply now with your CV and a cover letter telling us why you’d love to be part of Plate It Forward and which part of our mission excites you most.